'Conversations on the Countryside: Past, Present and Future' is our latest podcast series, where we'll be speaking to a host of different guests from across the world of country sports.
With each new epsiode, a member of the Countryside Alliance team will speak to a guest about what they love most about our beautiful countryside as well as how they see the future of country sports developing.
You can easily subscribe to our channel to recieve notifications of our latest epsiodes on Soundcloud, or listen through Anchor FM and Spotify.
Episode 1 - Charles Jardine on the lockdown and the philosophy of fishing.
Sam Carlisle, Manager of the Campaign for Shooting, talks to eminent fly fisherman and Director of the Fishing for Schools programme, Charles Jardine, about how he's coping during lockdown without fishing, what makes fly fishing such a special sport, and about Charles' charity work for Fishing for Schools.
Episode 2 - The Hunting Horn: one of the most recognisable sounds of the countryside.
Polly Portwin, the Countryside Alliance's Head of Hunting, talks to former professional huntsman Patrick Martin and joint-master Andrew Sallis who offer their tips on blowing the hunting horn while discussing the history, its significance on the hunting field and how the horn has influenced music.
Episode 3 - Robin Page: The revolting peasant
Tim Bonner, Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance, talks to writer, presenter, conservationist and controversialist about his seminal book 'Decline of an English Village' 40 years after its original publication. Subjects from Countryfile to rewilding come under Robin's sharp scrutiny and his views are as trenchant as ever.
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The Voice of the Countryside podcast contains updates, insights and analysis from the UK’s foremost rural campaign group.
The Countryside Alliance team discuss shooting, hunting, politics and all manner of other issues of interest to rural communities. If you love the rural way of life, our podcast is essential listening.
You can easily subscribe to our channel to receive notifications of our latest episodes on Soundcloud or iTunes.
Episode 1: The Countryside Alliance discuss trail-hunting on National Trust land, with expert opinion from Animal Welfare Consultant Jim Barrington.
Episode 2: In this episode of The Voice of the Countryside, Countryside Alliance discuss BBC bias with Chief Executive Tim Bonner, get the latest updates on the Party Conference season and the Countryside Alliance Awards.
Episode 3: Join an audience of over 150 people to listen to the Defra Secretary of State, The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, in conversation with Countryside Alliance Chief Executive Tim Bonner at our ‘Brexit Breakfast’ event at the Conservative Party Conference.
Episode 4: In this podcast episode, Liam Stokes and Rachel Smedley talk to Countryside Alliance’s Head of Hunting Polly Portwin about the National Trust AGM result. In addition, they discuss the Hunting Newcomers’ week initiative and firearms licensing. Please email [email protected] to suggest topics for the next episode of The Voice of the Countryside.
Episode 5: In episode 5 of The Voice of the Countryside, presenters Liam Stokes and Rachel Smedley discuss Hunting Newcomers’ Week with Campaigns Assistant Hats Rutgers, and speak to Countryside Alliance’s Campaigns Manger Jack Knott about Great British Game Week. Liam also discusses the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council decision on whether or not to renew the shooting lease on Ilkley Moor. Please send any feedback or questions to [email protected]
Episode 6: In episode 6 of The Voice of the Countryside, presenters Liam Stokes and Rachel Smedley take you behind the scenes of the recent BBC Countryfile episode. On Sunday 7 January Liam Stokes featured on Countryfile to talk about the failing medical procedures associated with firearms licensing. This podcast will discuss some of the issues raised during the Countryfile episode and will further help explain the fundamental flaws that are threatening to collapse the medical procedures associated with firearms licensing. To read more about our campaign for fair and consistent firearms licensing please click here.
Episode 7: In this episode presenters Liam Stokes and Rachel Smedley are joined by Sarah Lee, Director of the Countryside Alliance Awards and Jack Knott who manages our Game to Eat campaign to talk about the Rural Oscars. On Wednesday 25th April we held our Countryside Alliance Awards Champions Reception in the House of Lords where we crowned our British Champions. This podcast will take you behind the scenes of the event and will feature each of our worthy winners and explain the reasons why they won.
Episode 8: In this episode presenters Liam Stokes and Rachel Smedley are joined by Tom Adams, Managing Director of the British Game Alliance (BGA). Tom talks us through the background of the BGA and its objectives going forward. He explains how shoots can get involved and touches on the of the BGA’s consumer facing campaign Eat Wild’s exciting launch on Thursday 18th October.
An interview with George Eustice MP: As part of an interview for the Countryside Alliance magazine (My Countryside) to be published next month, George Eustice MP met with Countryside Alliance Political Relations Manager James Somerville-Meikle to discuss the agriculture bill, Brexit and future policies on agriculture and fishing.